Maglites - are they worth saving?

[DaveInCLT]

I've probably got 10 Maglites around the house gathered over the last couple decades both purchased or received as gifts. Half are probably newer models when they converted to LED, half are the old standard bulb. A couple 4 or 5 D-cell models, maybe 4 three D-cell versions and a bunch of 2 D-cell models.

Nowadays, they're all pretty dim compared even to cheapo LED lights from Amazon, but the heft of a sturdy metal baton is still sometimes nice to have.

I've googled up conversion kits and they get mixed review, site below has several of them

LED upgrades for Maglite!

5,000 Lumen upgrades for Maglite, instant conversion kits.

asflashlights.com

Just not sure if any of these conversions are with the $$$ when they're approaching the cost of a new quality smaller standalone flashlight...

Has anybody actually done one of these conversions? Worthwhile?

 

[Les White]

The LED conversion is easy.

They're worth saving for other more NeFArious reasons too.

 

[Catfish]

I can think of about 22 uses for an aluminum tube with a screw on endcap

 

[Jerzsubbie]

I think having one or two 5k lumen models would be cool but only if you actually like the mass of those large lights.

Personally I see Maglites as old technology and bulky. I don’t want anything with C or D cells. My 1,000-1,500 lumen lights that can easily fit in my pocket are more than enough for me.

 

[Ferrisfan]

Nothing that fancy, but I put an LED in the 4 cell I used to carry as a Pinkerton in college. Mostly for sentimental reasons since I have much better Fenix lights now.

You have piqued my curiosity though!

 

[Les White]

Related to the OP's question, NiCad's in those old multicell lights cuts their weight by half.

 

[tod0987]

I still buy the heck out of them when they're on clearance at walmart for 60% off or so. I have the fancy new flashlights but none keep their charge in storage and last when running like the 2, 3 C or D LEDs I keep them for storing somewhere in the shop, barn, truck, garage. The AA conversions to LED all suck.

 

[InvisibleOne]

I keep an older Maglite with led conversion beside the driver's seat, also keep 2 modern led lights for actual lighting needs.

 

[georgel]

If you're going to do a bulb only conversion, consider a glass lens as well. I have an old D-Cell model, but it doesn't get much use. I also have a Streamlight Stinger that I can't justify converting.

I would still hang on to them though.

 

[The War Wagon]

I give 'em to the kids when the power goes out. They don't need to blind anybody, and ANY light source is a comfort, since they have Autism.

 

[RFMan]

We had a couple D-cell Maglites...did the LED drop-in; one is in the garage, one is in the Explorer (wife prefers). It just depends.

 

[Mack270]

The old ones have their place but they’re harder to justify with large capacity lithium ion batteries. I keep them around for hurricanes and such. For conversions you might take a look at Malkoff devices. Probably the highest quality conversions aside from custom ones.
The newer ones like ML300’s compete well especially in throw and have decent runtimes from alkaline. I love the 3c model but don’t use it very much.

 

[Dale Gribble]

I've probably got 10 Maglites around the house gathered over the last couple decades both purchased or received as gifts. Half are probably newer models when they converted to LED, half are the old standard bulb. A couple 4 or 5 D-cell models, maybe 4 three D-cell versions and a bunch of 2 D-cell models.

Nowadays, they're all pretty dim compared even to cheapo LED lights from Amazon, but the heft of a sturdy metal baton is still sometimes nice to have.

I've googled up conversion kits and they get mixed review, site below has several of them

LED upgrades for Maglite!

5,000 Lumen upgrades for Maglite, instant conversion kits.

asflashlights.com

Just not sure if any of these conversions are with the $$$ when they're approaching the cost of a new quality smaller standalone flashlight...

Has anybody actually done one of these conversions? Worthwhile?

Save ‘em.

Sooner or later, they will make good barter material.

 

[turkeydance]

here is a site i go to for questions like yours: https://budgetlightforum.com/

in answer, keep your old Maglites.
they can be stored unused for YEARS,
and still work when you need them
with the standard C/D batteries.

none of ours ever discharged
enough to affect performance.
we do like the LED conversions.

 

[Culper]

As long as you have batteries, they will run indefinitely. I see no reason to replace them with Chinesium. Ultra bright lights have their place, but they draw quite a bit of energy, which isn't always feasible.

 

[BloodRunsThicker]

Coverted several with mixed reviews. Still have them. 2d LED models in every car i own. Self defense and lighting all in one.

If you're selling i might be buying

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[jimmyjames8]

I spent close to $100 on a Malkoff module for a big Maglite and the damn thing never was reliable.

 

[yard mongrel]

Put a crenulated bezel on one and keep it in the truck.

Mine have Malkoff units in them, work great. D cell batteries hold charge forever.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Well...I sure can't beat the heck out of someone with a 3 ounce superlight like I can with my 4 C-cell Maglite if someone attacks me. It's like having a baseball bat in the car that doubles as a flashlight... and that will STILL function as a flashlight when I get done defending myself, too.

I've had several LED lights, too, and my Maglite just keeps on working.

 

[Frack N Cylons]

I sure can't beat the heck out of someone with a 3 ounce superlight like I can with my 4 C-cell Maglite

Not with that attitude you can’t.